A Preface to Hardy remains the best introduction to one of the most important and popular writers in English literature.

Merryn Williams is a poet and critic and has taught widely on the nineteenth century novel.

Part 1 The Writer and his Setting; chapter 0 Chronological table; Chapter 1 HardyâEUR(TM)s life; Chapter 2 Hardy the countryman; Chapter 3 Hardy the Victorian; Part 2 Critical Survey; Chapter 4 The Hardy hero and his predicament; Chapter 5 The Mayor of Casterbridge; Chapter 6 The short stories and The Dynasts; Chapter 7 Selected poemsPart 3 Reference Section;